WATERTOWN, N.Y. — Assemblyman Scott Gray (R-Watertown) released a new video explaining what data centers are, how New Yorkers depend on them daily and how his High-Energy User Act would regulate them so they can coexist in communities that choose to host them.

Gray acknowledged the valid concerns from constituents about water usage, noise and their strain on the electric grid. He warned that Albany’s mixed messaging, welcoming these companies one moment and calling for bans the next, sends a poor signal for development. “We can say New York is open for business and protect our people at the same time. Those two things are not in conflict.”

The High-Energy User Act provides a clear framework. Customers requesting 100 megawatts or more would pay the full cost to expand generation capacity for their needs rather than shifting these costs onto households, small businesses and farms. Large users would contribute to grid upgrades and could add on-site generation. Those exceeding 1 million gallons of water per week would be required to use closed-loop or recycled cooling systems. Siting and economic benefits would remain local, with permits being issued by the host community under local zoning laws and revenue supporting schools, roads and services within the host community. The legislation also calls for a one-mile setback from homes.